Learning leadership from those who led in the Bible

The Unwelcome Storms

But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf. Acts 27:41NIV

Sometimes this is what happens, we get caught in a great storm, and it turns into a shipwreck.

Uncontrollable Circumstances

Leaders are sometimes faced with circumstances that they cannot control, leaving a reality that was not expected. Nonetheless, often it’s the reaction of a leader that defines them.

Paul was not in command, but ended up taking control of the situation. He was a prisoner on a boat with soldiers who would not allow him to put his hand on the rudder. They directed the boat into a violent storm that took the vessel out of the control of any man, and eventually shipwrecked.

What was Paul’s reaction to this?

Courage: the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. (Dictionary.com)

“Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. But now I urge you to keep up your courage… Acts 27:21-22 NIV

Paul stood tall during the storm and encouraged determination. There is little to no comfort during a storm; you’re vulnerable, weary, and can feel helpless. Being brave may be a leadership trait that is not always teachable, but the first step is overcoming fear.

Strength: mental power, force, or vigor. (Dictionary.com)

Often strength is not about how many muscles you possess, but how much mental power you have. A storm tests your strength, and often time people can be more capable after it.

Paul showed both courage and strength during the unwelcomed storm, a model for leadership.

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2 thoughts on “The Unwelcome Storms”

Sometimes we get stuck in other peoples sandbars. It is not what we really want but the reality of it is that we must in fact, deal with it to a successful conclusion for sll parties involved. This is where leadership struggles the most, ie, resolving other peoples problems that have unfortunately become our problems. The best perspective is when we stand tall, look around and react with a calm that can only come from fingerprints on our personality and our very souls. Spiritual leaders do lead, but only after they have been changed by being a part of a bigger narrative that includes a higher power – God. The best leaders are those whom God himself as prepared; just like Paul was prepared in the crucible of God’s providence, sandbars and all.

“This is where leadership struggles the most, ie, resolving other peoples problems that have unfortunately become our problems.” I like this line Bob. I think this is sometimes the difference between a person with a heart for leadership and someone just working to get by.